CAN I TRUST YOU?

Have you ever been let down by a really good friend? Or has anyone ever lied to your face, only for you to find out later? Sometimes we can tell when someone is lying to us by their uncomfortable body language or lack of eye contact. But too often it can be impossible to really tell if someone is genuine and reliable until it’s too late.

Joshua needed to know if he could trust the Gibeonites. When they discovered that God wanted him to get rid of some neighbouring nations like them (JOSHUA 9:24), they pretended to be from a faraway land. They arrived in worn-out tunics and patched sandals, saying, “Our clothes and
sandals are worn out by the very long journey” (V.13). The Israelites were suspicious (V.7), but they “did not enquire of the LORD” (V.14); and Joshua unwisely made a peace treaty with the lying Gibeonites.

If we are ever speaking with people who make us wonder, Can I trust you?, we shouldn’t decide quickly, based only on what seems right to us. It’s better to look for help from the Bible (PSALM 119:105), godly people (PROVERBS 11:14) and God Himself (JAMES 1:5). Wisdom from God will help us decide who to trust.

To pray about . . .

Father, help me to balance loving people and being open, with knowing who to trust and rely on. Please protect me when others hurt me, and help me to rest on Your unchanging love.

EVEN WHEN OUR FRIENDS LET US DOWN, GOD NEVER WILL.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries